Detroit Free Press Sports Writer

ESPN NFL Draft Todd McShay held a conference call today and was asked about former Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson’s future after struggling in the Senior Bowl, leading up to next week’s NFL Combine.

“Denard, it was a struggle early in the Senior Bowl week for him, being hurt, not being 100% but I thought he got better as the week went on," McShay said. "Taking off the non-contact jersey just helped him; it seemed like he was showcasing his weaknesses, which were catching punts and catching the ball, just because he doesn’t have a lot of experience, making what his strengths are, which is within the ball in his hands, explosiveness, quickness and speed.

"So I thought he got better as the week went on. He’s obviously just a play-maker and guy who can create with the ball in his hands.

"He's got to improve as a pass-catcher, though. The routes will come. The concern I have exiting the Senior Bowl week -- and it's something he can continue to show as he goes through the combine and pro day workouts and individual workouts -- is he a natural pass-catcher? Some guys are, and some guys aren't. That doesn't mean he can't improve, or that he won't ever get to an acceptable rate at that characteristic or that skill-set. But it did not look like he's a great natural catcher. He’s got to improve in that area.

"If I'm him, I'm out catching punts and passes from anyone who will throw to me, and JUGS machine, etc. every single day between now and the draft, just trying to improve my hands. Because if he can improve in that area, and look better when teams got to work him out individually in April, I think that will go a long way toward helping his cause.

"There's a place in the NFL for Denard Robinson. He's just too good of an athlete, and has made too many big plays and created too many yards, when you study his tape, for him not to be in the NFL. He’s probably, when it’s all said and done, probably a fifth-round pick, but it wouldn’t shock me if a team in that late third, early fourth round takes a chance on him and tries to develop him as a transition player.”

McShay also discussed U-M defensive tackle Will Campbell.

“William Campbell, I like him on tape,” McShay said. “I think he’s just strong. He’s a guy at 6-4˝ and 320 pounds can just take up space. Fits well in a 3-4 (defense) and there’s value there. To me, he didn’t get invited to the combine and that surprised me a little bit, but 10% of the guys who get drafted don’t go to the combine, so I don’t think it should be something that gets him down. I think he has to continue to improve his hands and do some little things, but he can play at the next level and at the very least contribute in the sub package defense taking on blocks and helping a team against the run.”